After tropical cruises in the Caribbean, we dreamed of a total contrast. In June 2025, we embarked in Hamburg for an almost surreal destination: Svalbard and Norway.

On board the MSC Preziosa, we were going to discover glaciers, fjords, and the midnight sun, in a cruise as exotic as it was spectacular.

The departure: Hamburg, heading to the Far North

Unlike transatlantic departures, reaching Hamburg was simple and reassuring: less far than a flight to Miami, so less stress at the idea of missing the ship.

The MSC Preziosa was waiting for us, majestic, with its green reflections and elegant lines. From the moment we boarded, the excitement was there: we were setting off to discover a polar world, very far from our memories of coconut trees.

Port of call 1: Ålesund and the 418 steps of Mount Aksla

The sun was not there, but it didn't matter: under a gray sky, we decided to climb the 418 steps of Mount Aksla. For us, not being athletic, it was a real challenge! Fortunately, you can take breaks regularly, and the effort was largely rewarded: at the top, a breathtaking view of the city and the bay. The descent was smoother, before strolling through the colorful streets of Ålesund.

Port of call 2: Hammerfest, at the top of Gammelvein

In Hammerfest, the northernmost city in the world, we started with a quiet walk in the streets, then decided to get some altitude. Heading to the top of Gammelvein: an accessible but impressive climb, offering a striking panorama of the city and the bay, with our ship in the background.

Port of call 3: Honningsvåg and the North Cape

One of the highlights of this cruise. From Honningsvåg, we reached the legendary North Cape and its famous globe. Up there, facing the wind and the infinite ocean, we felt that impression of being at the end of the world. The very informative museum completed the visit.

In the afternoon, we returned to town for a gentler walk, still imbued with this unique morning.

Port of call 4: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – Svalbard, almost at the end of the world

It was the port of call we were looking forward to the most. Arriving in Longyearbyen, in Svalbard, is stepping foot in a place out of time. We participated in an excursion to Camp Barentz, an old camp where we met sled dogs. Escorted by an armed guide (mandatory outside the city, because of polar bears), we discovered how much life here is closely linked to nature.

In the afternoon, while strolling through the small town, we crossed paths with reindeer: living proof that man and nature still coexist harmoniously in this region of the world.

Port of call 5: Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic

In Tromsø, we chose simplicity. A city bus took us to the Polar Museum, which is very comprehensive and provides paper guides in French. Then, a stroll through town and a visit to the famous Arctic Cathedral. Its exterior architecture is impressive, but the interior left us wanting more: sober, almost too much so. We would have liked to take the cable car to admire the panoramic view, but it was unfortunately under maintenance. A slight disappointment, but quickly forgotten amidst the richness of the rest.

Stop 6: Leknes, the Lofoten islands

The Lofoten were up to their reputation: breathtaking landscapes. We had booked an excursion to the village of Reine, a living postcard with its red houses on stilts.

The only regret: a disorganized schedule that left us only 25 minutes on site, instead of the hour planned. Too short to savor it fully, but enough to imprint unforgettable images.

Stop 7: Bergen, between panorama and fish market

Last stop before the return. In Bergen, we enjoyed a morning walk in the center, before taking the Mount Fløyen funicular. Up there, a spectacular panorama opened up over the city, the mountains, and the sea. Back in town, we finished with a visit to the fish market, a gourmet and authentic experience.

Return to Hamburg: the end of the adventure... and an unforeseen strike

The return to Hamburg was not exactly restful. An air traffic controllers' strike disrupted our return to France. Air France was not of much help, and we had to improvise: look for a hotel, find somewhere to eat... To this day, we are still waiting for the refunds. But this mishap will undoubtedly be the subject of another article!

Unique experiences: the midnight sun and behind the scenes of the ship

Beyond the stops, two experiences will mark this cruise forever.

The midnight sun: from June 21 to July 2, the sun never set. Living under constant light, day and night, is a disturbing but fascinating experience. Watching the sea at "midnight" under a golden sky will remain etched in our memories.

A visit behind the scenes of the Preziosa: we had the chance to discover what goes on behind the curtain. From the lower decks with the engine room to the command bridge, from the gigantic kitchens to the industrial laundry facilities, without forgetting the backstage of the shows and the staff areas. A dive into the beating heart of the ship, invisible to most passengers.

Conclusion: an extraordinary cruise

This cruise on the MSC Preziosa was both different and complementary to our previous experiences. Where the Caribbean had seduced us with its warmth and carefree nature, the Far North impressed us with its power and serenity.

We returned changed, enriched by unforgettable landscapes and rare moments: moose in the streets of Longyearbyen, the North Cape globe, the unreal lights of the midnight sun...

So many images that will remain engraved as a unique interlude at the end of the world.

Ulrich & Sidara